Pete Ricketts

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs not only has legislative jurisdiction on the topics listed in its name, but also on a range of other topics such as economic stability, federal monetary policy, and government contracts.

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has legislative jurisdiction on matters related to environmental protection, resource utilization and conservation, and public infrastructure.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations was established in 1816 as one of the original ten standing committees of the Senate. Throughout its history, the committee has been instrumental in developing and influencing United States foreign policy, at different times supporting and opposing the policies of presidents and secretaries of state. The committee has considered, debated, and reported important treaties and legislation, ranging from the purchase of Alaska in 1867 to the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. It also holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations. Through these powers, the committee has helped shape foreign policy of broad significance, in matters of war and peace and international relations. Members of the committee have assisted in the negotiation of treaties, and at times have helped to defeat treaties they felt were not in the national interest.

The Senate Committee on the Budget is responsible for drafting a concurrent resolution on the budget for congressional action on spending, revenue, and debt-limit legislation. The Budget Resolution must be jointly agreed to by both the House and the Senate, but does not need to be signed by the President. The Committee is also responsible for enforcing the Budget Resolution by informing senators of violations to the budget, and by working with other committees, such as the Committee on Appropriations, to prevent potential violations.

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